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On May 15, McKenna received word she had been chosen as a finalist for Author of the Year, which will be announced during a red-carpet awards gala in Hollywood on Saturday, October 4.

"I was so overwhelmed by the news... and I'm still trying to wrap my mind around it," she remarked. "It's so hard to believe the journey has led me here."

When asked what has been the most fulfilling part of this news, McKenna said, "First and most importantly, this is one hundred percent God's doing, and He gets all the glory. Second, it's knowing people are being affected by the story and connecting with it in their own unique ways. Third, I am grateful the legacies of people mentioned in the book live on within a growing audience."

McKenna had the pleasure of meeting up with members of the Women's Council of Entrepreneurs on Tuesday, May 20, in Tomball, TX.

The meeting was held at Mercy House Global Market, which is a place with its own amazing story of international impact.

"I wasn't sure what to expect, but the group made me feel welcome and at ease from the moment I arrived," McKenna noted. "It was an honor to feel encouraged and supported by such successful people and be in a position to encourage and support them in return."

McKenna is in the running for this prestigious accolade, and you can play a part! Visit the voting link by clicking here!

"I really wish the focus was on the book rather than on me, but that's not the option I'm presented with," McKenna said when asked about the nomination. "I hope it raises the profile of the book so it can help the greatest number of people. That was the whole point of writing it in the first place."

The finalists and winner will be decided by a combination of public votes and IIBA board review. Voting ends Wednesday, April 30.

Add "Award-Winning Author" to her list of accomplishments! McKenna's book has been awarded a 2025 International Impact Award in the "Grief" category.

"The recognition is truly humbling, and I'm so grateful," says McKenna. "I  believe that even though people's circumstances and losses differ, people will see their own story in the course of reading mine. The response from readers has been overwhelming in this regard, and I praise God for that!"

McKenna will be promoting Navigating Hell as an exhibitor at this amazing annual conference of Christian filmmakers, directors, producers, actors, screenwriters and other industry professionals. It will be an exciting time to network with Christian creative geniuses and see what God desires for the next steps of McKenna's story.

"I can't believe it's finally here!" says McKenna. "This day would not have happened without the love, strength and guidance of my Heavenly Father. Period. Today marks the completion of one part of the journey and the beginning of another. I pray this book resonates with you even more than you expect."

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This private party was a gathering of people who - in big ways and small - supported McKenna through the publishing process. Some offered prayers while others offered shoulders, eyes, ears, laughs or perspective. Some offered all the above. 

"It was a celebration of my elaborate support system as well as the book," said McKenna following the event. "I'm look forward to seeing how God uses this book."

Special thanks to Rise Souffle in The Woodlands, TX, for hosting the occasion!